1. Baby sleeps about 13 hours out of 24, including two naps. And Arlo can sleep through the night now! I feel like a new woman!

2. Baby has started eating finger food. Arlo loves playing with it as much as eating it! I know picking up food is good for developing hand-eye coordination, so I’m not worried about table manners.

3. Baby is starting to learn about cause and effect. Arlo loves testing it by dropping things to see what happens.

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4. Even though baby is getting more independent, taking care of Arlo is exhausting! This week, I’ll make sure to ask my partner and my older kids for help with chores and household tasks.

5. I’m aware of what developmental milestones my baby should be able to do at this age, but I also know that every baby grows at his own pace. If I’m concerned that my baby might be delayed, I’ll make an appointment with my pediatrician.

6. Baby and I explore toys together. I show Arlo how to press buttons, turn pages, and roll a ball. Playing with Arlo is more fun every day as Arlo learns new skills!

7. I continue to teach my baby new words by talking about everything we see. I help Arlo make connections between experiences and the environment by saying things like, “Do you hear the dog barking?”

1. My baby is going places! Arlo is starting to roll, scoot, and even crawl. Suddenly Arlo is getting into everything! I’ve followed Arlo around the house to spot anything that isn’t safe for a baby to explore, and I’ve made sure everything dangerous is out of reach or securely locked.

2. I don’t have to puree baby’s foods anymore. Arlo can chew well, so I just boil food so it’s soft and mash it with a fork. My baby is practically eating with the family!

3. I’m still careful about which foods I give baby. I wait several days between introducing new foods, and I keep track of what foods Arlo is eating. That way, if baby has an allergic reaction, I’ll know which food caused it.

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4. I feel like I’m busy all the time these days, but I try to make time to take care of myself, too. Even a quick shower does wonders for how I feel!

5. I’m making time for some “alone time” with my partner this week. Scheduling it may not be romantic, but it’s the only way to make it happen these days! We both know baby could interrupt, so we’re prepared to be flexible.

6. Now that baby’s mobile, Arlo bumps her head constantly on the floor and on furniture. I know how to recognize a concussion, and I know what signs mean I should call my doctor or take Arlo to the ER.

7. Baby puts everything in Arlo’s mouth these days, and sometimes I find random things in Arlo’s diaper a few days later! I know what symptoms would mean something’s stuck in his digestive tract.